Word Count → 301
[/html]Claudius arrived to the scene of the festival shortly after his cousin and took his place beside him. Claudius liked knowing that even though he had stayed in the tribe when everyone else had left, his family had returned. He also liked knowing that he had gotten to know his cousin better since he had rejoined. Too, Claudius had gotten to know himself better and he know carried himself with far more pride than he ever might have imagined. Indeed, it was strange thinking that he might ever arrive to a ceremony with a certain sense of purpose. He also found it strange that he could empathize with Ulilohi and the trials she now faced. As a new leader, she had to prove who she was and what she valued. She didn't owe it to the tribe, but Claudius felt as though she was principled, like he was, and wanted to prove to herself more than anyone else.
Claudius' shoulder, now freshly dyed, sported his customary swirling design. Unlike his previous dye attempts, this one he was proud to colour as a mark of the coming months. He was excited for spring and the new possibilities for his craft. Of course, when Ulilohi began to speak, these thoughts quickly melted away. Attentive, as always, Claudius adopted a serious expression of firm concentration. He looked forward to the feast, something that struck him as an indication of his own personal growth. When he had been younger, a feast was the last thing he would have enjoyed. Now, he wanted to speak with his fellow tribesmembers and see how they fared. He hoped that if he could push himself to meet some of the others, he would continue this personal growth and perhaps, one day, host some sort of event of his own.